Architecture school unveils new plans for 2008

Architecture

A new structure for studies in the University of Adelaide's School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design and the introduction of new Masters degrees are among the changes from 2008 announced recently to staff, students and members of industry.

The School is changing its course structure to bring it in line with international trends in design education.

Until now, the University's Architecture qualification has been a three-year Bachelor degree followed by a two-year professional Bachelor degree.

From next year, students will do a three-year Bachelor of Design Studies and can then choose from three possible streams of postgraduate professional study:

• Master of Architecture;
  
• Master of Landscape Architecture;
  
• or the new Master of Planning/Master of Planning (Urban Design).

A Master of Design (Digital Media) is also being offered by the School.

"2008 represents the 50th anniversary of Architecture at the University of Adelaide, and it marks the start of a new vision for the School," said the Head of the School, Professor Nancy Pollock-Ellwand.

"The course structure will have an enhanced international focus and take in the new professional areas of planning and urban design. This follows an extensive period of consultation with our staff and various external stakeholders.

"The move ensures that we will continue to cater to industry and student needs within the State, the nation, and globally, and offer excellence in design, learning and teaching, and research," she said.

Professor Pollock-Ellwand made the announcement at a recent symposium on the Future of Architecture in Adelaide attended by staff, students and industry leaders.

The University of Adelaide started teaching its first Architecture students within the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning in 1958, in response to demand from the local profession.

Today, the School teaches more than 400 students and draws on the expertise of more than 100 staff and professional affiliates, most of whom continue to work actively within industry.

Among those to endorse the changes to the teaching of architecture and related fields is prominent Melbourne-based architect, University of Adelaide former student and now staff member, Professor Ian McDougall.

Professor McDougall took up the post of Professor in Architecture and Urban Design at the University in July this year. A partner in the award-winning Melbourne design consultancy ARM (Ashton Raggatt McDougall), Professor McDougall is maintaining his practice while working part-time at the University of Adelaide.

"The establishment of the Masters programs aligns us with international standards in professional education but it also signals our widening of the educational offer to our students. In the Planning/Urban Design program, we open up an exciting and important dialogue between centres of knowledge about the city - planning, design and urban geography. An Adelaide initiative, this is potentially a national leader in urban studies," Professor McDougall said.

"Students benefit from the widest possible education, and the all-important nexus between university and industry helps to inform that education as well as providing career pathways once they graduate," he said.